The F/A-18 Super Hornet is the evolved and advanced version of the classic F/A-18 Hornet, a multipurpose fighter developed in the United States and which has been the cornerstone of not only its air forces but that of numerous countries, including Spain. .

It is a combat aircraft that combines fighter and bomber characteristics to attack both air and ground targets. Hence its designation F/A, “F” for fighter and “A” for attack (in English). Its great versatility allows it to be deployed from practically anywhere, including aircraft carriers, making it one of the most used air combat vehicles in the world. The main missions it can carry out include fighter escort, air defense, suppression of enemy air defenses, interdiction, close air support and reconnaissance.

Its history dates back to 1973, when the United States Congress asked the Navy to find a more affordable alternative to the F-14 Tomcat. At first, the options that were proposed included a slightly cheaper version than the F-14 and the alternative of the F-15 Eagle. Finally, it was the YF-16 that won the competition, but the Navy found it difficult for a single-engine aircraft like the F-16 to be economically adapted to serve on an aircraft carrier.

In the end there was no other option than the YF-17 prototype, which was liked by the Navy, and on which it was requested to be developed to create a device that would respond to the requested needs. This is how the final design of the F/A-18 Hornet finally emerged. Its great success led to the construction of an exportable version that did not have to operate on aircraft carriers, making it more attractive to sell to other countries.